Category: Horse Racing News

Betting is an engaging recreation to do. Many learn to become a master sports bettor by practice, over time. In this article, we look at tips that may help when learning how to bet on sports successfully.

You get a chance to witness your favourite sporting events at the same time earn money when you take part in wagering games. In some cases, sports betting serves as a de-stressing factor for those who get bombarded with daily tasks, when done responsibly.

A lot of people join sports gambling, yet not all of them become successful. Although the process is only picking the possible winning entry and paying the amount, the betting does not end there. Your goal when betting is to go home victorious by using websites that can help you master your sport.

By making sure that you only use reputable and legal websites where you can get rid of uncertainty and feeling doubtful. Also, you could try and apply these techniques to help you.

Create a Viable Bankroll Management Plan

Before you find start to gamble, the first thing you need to consider is your budget. You have to set the right amount to bet and know how much you are going to spend. Don’t go all out with spending your money, including the budget for your daily needs. This can prove reckless and land you in financial trouble.

A lot of bettors may take this tip for granted because they think if they do it rightfully, they can win. While this is somehow true, there’s no way that you can apply a consistent betting formula to succeed and grow your bankroll. No matter how good you are at betting, there’s always a time that the stars are not aligned to be in your favour.

The following may also serve as good reasons why you must learn the art of bankroll management.

• It teaches you discipline
• You can’t bet beyond your financial means
• You can manage every risk
• It helps you track your betting success rate

Learn to Control Your Emotions

The feeling that sports betting can give to every bettor can be likened to a roller coaster ride. For broader sports betting games like horse racing, you need emotional control and discipline. It is because, unlike for typical sports gambling games, horse racing tests your real betting prowess. The most helpful way to settle down your emotions and to get that victorious feeling is to search for horse racing tips that can aid you in betting effectively.

Aside from that, you must learn to manage the highs and lows of emotions you get upon gambling. The highs are brought when you win big and can urge you to bet more. The lows, on the other hand, come from losing. All these mixed emotions need to settle down all the time and don’t let it take over your wagering decisions.

Winning Strategy

Developing a consistent winning strategy may seem hard and impossible to do. Most successful bettors form confidence when making effective bets by sticking them for a while. But overconfidence might not help. You only need the right amount to display.

Other bettors may find confidence as an arrogant attitude that would not help them win in sports betting. Bear in mind that the confidence we are referring to is the ability to master the ways of picking the right and winning entry. You don’t need to stand up in the crowd to announce that you are excellent in betting, keep it to yourself and continue to do what’s right for you.

Always Rely on Horse Racing Forms for Horse Race Betting

Like examinations you take in school wherein you need to review to reach a passing score, the same goes for sports betting. Becoming a master bettor might come as the greatest challenge, but it is not impossible to attain.

For horse race betting, you should learn to find every horse racing form for each entry. It is the only way to familiarize yourself with the skills and how your entry can perform in the field. The racing form must include their previous matches and races, along with their earnings and achievements.

Takeaway

Becoming a master bettor does not happen overnight. You must understand that there are many things to learn, especially the whole culture of sports betting. Aside from that, your attitude plays a vital role in achieving this goal. Managing your bankroll, controlling your emotions, building confidence, and reviewing forms are the best techniques you can learn to master the sports betting game.

The Arabian Racing Organisation (ARO) is thrilled to have plans to stage a new race for Purebred Arabians at Ascot Racecourse approved by the International Federation of Arabian Horse Racing Authorities (IFAHR) Pattern Committee. The £15,000 Listed PA race will be run over a mile at the historic Berkshire track on 8^th May 2020 and will be sponsored by Shadwell Stud.

It has been almost ten years since Arabians made an appearance at Ascot, when the French filly Kiss De Ghazal won the 2011 President of the UAE Cup (UK Arabian Derby) Group 1 PA, in impressive fashion by seven lengths.

Shadwell Stud Director Richard Lancaster said:

“We’re delighted to be staging an Arabian race at Ascot and congratulate the team at Ascot for facilitating the race on one of their Thoroughbred cards.

“This is an important time for Arabian racing and to stage a race at Ascot is a great way of raising the profile of the sport, a sport that is incredibly important to Sheikh Hamdan.”

Genny Haynes, ARO Commercial and Finance Director commented.

“Naturally we are very excited to be returning to Ascot, with a race that will be open to international competitors. We are still in consultation with Ascot, Shadwell and the British Horseracing Authority to finalise the details, after which the full conditions of the race will be published.

“HH Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum is our most generous patron and was recently awarded with his eighteenth ARO Owners Championship after another successful season. His continued support of our programme, not only through race sponsorship, but his horses, trainers and stallions, is integral to our success, from the grassroots to the highest level.

“That he has chosen to increase his sponsorship with this race at one of the UK’s most prestigious racing venues further enhances the status and reputation of UK Arabian racing.

“Last season saw a significant increase in runners from overseas in our pattern races, which shows that the appetite for top class Arabian racing around the world continues to grow. We look forward to building upon this achievement in 2020.”

Whether it’s your first time betting or you’re researching your next strategy, it’s crucial to stay informed of the latest racing news. Here, Peter Watton from matched betting experts OddsMonkey shares his tips for next year’s races.

With the summer racing season over and the end of the year approaching, many of us are already looking forward to the fresh opportunities it will bring to make some cash. But with so many events taking place up and down the country throughout the year, it can be difficult to know what the best meets are to get involved with.

Below, I’ll be taking you through a few of the key events of the racing calendar as well as some of the best ways to increase your chances of turning a profit betting on horses.

How do I turn a profit betting on horses?

The first way to turn a profit is to put money down on a winner — which is easier said than done. However, there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of backing the right horse, like using bookmaker’s odds to determine who is the most likely to win.

You’ll do even better if you research the racing history of the jockeys and trainers, the ages and previous wins of the horses, and the condition of the track in the run up to the race. You can also take the advice of tipsters, who can give you this information along with their own predictions.

Alternatively, you can grind your way to a profit by using matched betting. This process requires you to place a bet, known as the qualifying bet, then use free bets given to you by the bookmaker to cover all other outcomes, essentially betting against yourself. It’s a lower-risk form of gambling that means you’re more likely to make a profit. You can find out more about matched betting by reading our matched betting guide.

Below is a list of some of the biggest and best meets for you to put your chosen betting strategy into practice, and hopefully make some money. They all include races with big prize funds for the winners, which means they attract the best racers to compete. This in turn means they have a higher attendance and are more profitable as a result — especially for matched bettors, as bookmakers tend to offer more free bets for popular races.

Cheltenham Festival Presented by Magners

Britain’s favourite jump meeting and one of the most prestigious in Europe is the Cheltenham Festival. The Magners Cheltenham Gold Cup Steeple Chase, on the final day of the festival, has a huge £625,000 prize fund that helps to secure its position as one of the best attended meets of the season.

The Randox Health Grand National

The Randox Health Grand National Steeple Chase takes place at Aintree Racecourse, just outside of Liverpool, and is the most valuable jump race in the UK. The meet has the biggest cash prize on this list — a cool £1,000,000 — that is sure to bring in the punters. Plus, most of the UK will engage in friendly sweepstakes during the event on the first weekend in April, so even casual bettors can get involved.

Royal Ascot

Taking place 16-20th June, Royal Ascot is Britain’s most popular flat turf racing festival. This is largely due the daily procession of the Queen and other members of the Royal family. It’s also one of the most lucrative as a result of its popularity: the most valuable race is the Prince of Wales’s Stakes, a Group 1 race that is one mile and two furlongs long. The prize fund for this race is a massive £750,000.

Qatar Goodwood Festival

Located in the Sussex countryside, ‘Glorious Goodwood’ is one of the more experience-driven and fashion-forward festivals out there — but it’s still a major highlight in the flat-racing season. There are plenty of Group 1 races with big prize funds, including the £1,000,000 Qatar Sussex Stakes, so it’s a great opportunity to bet.

Yorkshire Ebor Festival

Last year, York Racecourse’s best-attended festival offered £1,000,000 prize money for the first time, so Ebor is sure to be a popular meet again this year. It will take place on the 19^th-22^nd August as the final major flat turf meeting of the summer season, perfect if you’re planning on getting in on the action last minute.

Whichever meets you plan to get involved with, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to enjoy the thrill of the race — and hopefully make some money, too. Good luck!

Discover five of the most common horse breeds used in horse racing around the world in our article here.

Horse Racing: A Short History

Horse racing is one of the ancient entertainment for humans that still exists in modern civilization. Historically, people used horses for honour, pride, power, courage, and speed. All these qualities and characteristics can be demonstrated in today’s horses, especially in the more advanced racehorse breeds.

Horse racing is one of the oldest sports that differ in format from home to abroad, but the basic requirements are the same. Horse racing is a competition between two or more horses where the game involves the participation of money and a party, in the form of betting. In the modern day, horse racing is now a huge public entertainment business, with thousands of racegoers visiting the races each year.

Most Popular Race Horse Breeds

There are various horse breeds and ponies in the world, but not all are used as horse racing. Racing horses require some special features and features. Also, the most important thing is the reproduction history of that individual horse.

Race Horse Breeds: Arabian

Arabian horses are the most popular racehorse breeds in the world that have high intelligence, stamina, spirit, training, beauty and gentle nature. Arabian horses originated in the Arabian Peninsula and spread around the world by trade and war. Arabian horses are one of the most known or popular horses for racing nowadays.

Race Horse Breeds: Thoroughbred

The most prominent racehorse in the world is the Thoroughbred which originated in England during the 17th century by breeding a native mare with the Arab, Barb and Turcoman stallions. Many of us doubt that any pure breed horse is good, but basically it is a specific breed of horse.

Race Horse Breeds: Quarter Horse

The American Quarter Horse, Quarter horse is one of America’s oldest recognized horse breeds, named for the short run of the quarter-mile. It is the most popular breed of horse in the US and can run up to 88 km per hour. The characteristics of the quarter horse are healthy well-muscular bodies, small, small and refined heads, wide chests and powerful and round hind quarrels.

Race Horse Breeds: Standardbred

Standardbred horses are the world’s most popular harness race and fast trotting horse breed. The breed’s alternate name is Trotter Pacer, which originated in the United States. Standardbred typically weighs between 800 and 1000 pounds and ranges in height from 56 to 68 inches.

Race Horse Breeds: Paint Horse

Paint horses are very popular breeds of horses that originated in the United States. The American Paint Horse is highly popular and is known for its marking and excellent colour, intelligence, and unique refinement to make it the most preferred. Painted horses are used in performance competitions as show horses and for dressage riding too.

With the impending approach of winter, the jump season is imminent, and punters have plenty of meetings to get excited about for the rest of the year.

Punters can bet on the returning jump season, with various meetings taking place over the winter months. Horse racing betting is available across all jumps meetings, with the Kempton Winter Festival being the standout event in the next few months.

The beginning of the jump season provides punters with the opportunity to witness different stables’ strongest horses, wildcards and potential horses aimed at the Cheltenham Festival further down the line in March 2020.

We’ve taken a look at all important trainers to watch out for over the season and their star horses.

Yards to keep an eye on

Gordon Elliott

Gordon Elliott is very much the man when it comes to producing winners at major horse racing festivals – in particular, the Cheltenham Festival. Elliott has already sent plenty of his Irish raiders to meetings in the UK, including Perth, Downpatrick, Sligo and Fairyhouse. The big question is whether or not he can get Samcro back to his old form after such a disappointing return last campaign.

Away from Samcro, Elliott declared Tiger Roll will be going for a record-breaking third Grand National next year, and as a result, his preparation is key. It’s too early to tell where Tiger Roll will be sent, but rest assured Elliott will be making sure the nine-year-old has some important runs before heading to the Grand National. Elliott hasn’t ruled out the Cross Country at the Cheltenham Festival either, which he won at a canter last campaign.

Nicky Henderson

No doubt all eyes will be on the 68-year-old’s beast in Altior, where Henderson has admitted he is still unsure about where he will be sending his superstar before the Cheltenham Festival next March. Henderson has admitted he feels Altior needs another half a mile, which may help fans to guess where his preparation will be. Altior is unbeaten in the last four years, and Henderson will want to make sure wherever he may head that he will be 100% ready to protect his outstanding record.

Jonjo O’Neill

The 67-year-old trainer has recently declared he has no interest in retiring, with his two sons riding for him and getting results in the process.

To put it blunt, O’Neill said: “I won’t be giving up for a long time yet. The only way they are going to be taking me out here is in the box.”

O’Neill has two potential stars he is in the process of training, Cloth Cap and Sky Pirate. The former is targeted for the Grand National, while the latter has an earlier target, aiming to be prepped and ready to land the Gold Cup in November.

His yard is not quite as powerful as previous years, but watch out for any potential wildcards which the yard could throw up over the next coming months from arguably one of the best trainers in the last decade.

The jump season

We’re set for another exciting jump season campaign, with plenty of top-quality racing to take place across the UK and Ireland. It may well be winter, but the best racing is about to come!

Who are the most successful jockeys at Royal Ascot? Read on to find out who we’ve rated.

The fans of horse racing always wait for the highly anticipated Royal Ascot race week and in fact, it offers a vast selection of different outcomes from a variety of exciting races. The history of Royal Ascot stretches back centuries, but who are the most recent top jockeys of the event?

Royal Ascot Top Jockeys

1. Ryan Moore

Moore set a modern-day record with 9 winners at Royal Ascot in 2015. There is no doubt that along with the best flat jockey in the world, Ryan Moore is going to be nigh on impossible to keep off the scoreboard in the quest to be the top jockey at the meeting for the 5 times in the past 6 years.

2. Frankie Dettori

This Italian guy did a great job in his career. Frankie Dettori has enjoyed many wins at the Royal meeting over the course and he will forever live in Ascot folklore for his unforgettable Magnificent 7 at the September meeting in 1996.

He has ridden the winner for 6 times of the Queen Anne the race which starts the meeting and he has shown his finesse with the fairer sex in the Ribblesdale the same number of times. 

His linkup with the AL Shaqab has been an Indian summer for his career and therefore, it seems that in this year people are again going to witness the famous flying dismount at Royal Ascot.

3. Jamie spencer

He is the ultimate hold up jockey at Royal Ascot. He is a master and when he gets it right, then he will be the reason the frustration of the punters. He is best on Ascot’s mile-straight course.

For the straight course, he is taking a huge amount of money and this is why he can provide a suitable ride in the coming festival.

4. Stradivarius

Stradivarius is now on a seven-race winning streak with his last loss coming here at Ascot in October 2018. He was the hot favourite after the last year’s victory and started the race with odds of even money.

There is no doubt that in recent times race betting is more difficult to decide upon and competitive, you’ll really need to concentrate properly to win a race. Along with this, you cannot deny the fact that the craziness of this sport continues to engage fans.

The Arabian Racing Organisation (ARO) has announced they are delighted with entries received for the Dubai International Arabian Race (DIAR) card. This followed the recent announcement of an increase in international entries on 2018 figures at the early closing stage for the four PA Group races.

This year’s fixture will be run on Sunday 28^th July at Newbury racecourse, promoting Purebred Arabian racing worldwide and is organised under the generous patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Entries

The 153 entries include 19 individual Group or Listed PA winners holding entries at this initial stage. They are headed by Gazwan, who was the joint top-rated colt of 2018 in the international classifications and who won 2015 Shadwell Dubai International Stakes (Gr1PA).

The race also includes Hayyan and Kanaan, first and third in the French PA Derby (Gr1PA) as well as the 2018 French and English Derby winner, Rodess Du Loup. There is similar strength in depth for the fillies’ equivalent contest, the Shadwell Arabian Stallions Hatta International (Gr1PA) in which the highest rated filly of the 2018, dual Group 1 PA winner, Al Shamoos, is entered.

Possible runners

The possible runners also include eight prep race winners and 15 horses who were placed in the prep races across Europe, so the potential for the DIAR bonus awards to be claimed is again high. Last year Al Chammy followed up his prep race win, to take the Jebel Ali Racecourse Za’abeel International Stakes (Gr1pA), whilst Joudh, who had been second at La Teste, won the Shadwell Arabian Stallions Hatta International Stakes (Gr1PA). The connections of both horses received an additional £2000 DIAR bonus on top of their prize money.

Shadwell Stud Director, Richard Lancaster said:

We are delighted with the level of entries for our flagship event at Newbury at the end of the month. The quality and number of horses entered are testament to the strength of the day and we are very grateful to all the owners and trainers from the UK, Europe, and beyond, who are supporting our races.

The Arabian racing authorities have played a pivotal role in building this European race programme and have done a fantastic job. We would like to thank everyone involved for their continued support and we’re looking forward to a competitive day of Arabian racing at Newbury.”

Genny Haynes, ARO Commercial and Finance Director, commented:

The success of DIAR and the prep race series is evident in the number of entries received and in particular, the increase in international contenders. It confirms that the appetite for international Arabian racing at the highest level continues to grow and we welcome the new overseas trainers who may well make their first appearance at DIAR, should they declare.

We are proud that the global elite of Arabian racing are considering competing on what is the highlight of our racing year and we are fortunate that we have a grade one facility in the recently redeveloped Newbury racecourse to host this unique event.”

One of the next big meetings in the UK this summer is Glorious Goodwood, which features 13 Group races across five days – including three Group One contests.

Here is a look at three horses to watch at the Sussex meeting each year.

Battaash – King George Stakes

Defending champion Battaash is set to return in the King George Stakes, where he will be looking to become the first horse to win the race for a third time. Charles Hills’ runner was second in the King’s Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot last month behind Blue Point, who has now retired from the sport.

The absence of Blue Point gives Battaash the opportunity to prove he is the best sprinter in Europe once again, and his first step in doing that is the King George Stakes. Goodwood is a course he clearly enjoys running at, so expect the five-year-old to produce his best form again to make history at the meeting.

King of Comedy – Sussex Stakes

One of the most fascinating and competitive races at Glorious Goodwood this year in the Group One Sussex Stakes which is the feature race on day two of the meeting. King of Comedy tops the horse racing betting at 4/1 to win the 1m contest, where connections will be hoping their runner can go one place better than the St James’s Palace Stakes. The British horse was denied victory at Royal Ascot by just a neck behind Circus Maximus.

King of Comedy has been of the most consistent milers in Europe this season. He started out at Yarmouth, where he justified favouritism to claim a novice contest under the hands of Frankie Dettori. Connections then opted to step their horse up in class to a Listed race at Sandown and he rewarded them with success to enhance his reputation. He now has the chance to become a Group One winner at Goodwood and on the basis of what he achieved this season in the division, he is the one they all have to beat.

Stradivarius – Goodwood Cup

No horse has dominated a division like Stradivarius over the last couple of years. The five-year-old won his seventh straight race at Royal Ascot in the Ascot Gold Cup where he didn’t get a clear run but was still able to overcome traffic to defend his title.

John Gosden now has his eyes on the Goodwood Cup for his talented stayer, the race he won in 2018 for the second consecutive year. If successful, he will join Double Trouble as one of only two horses to have claimed a hat-trick in the 2m contest.

What makes the Goodwood Cup so interesting this year is that Stradivarius will be taking on the Queen Alexandra Stakes winner Cleonte for the first time which presents a new challenge for the champion stayer.

As always with Glorious Goodwood, it going to be a fantastic week of racing and fashion. It all gets underway on 30 July for day one of the meeting, with the Lennox Stakes being the traditional curtain raiser.

Royal Ascot: Queen Anne’s vision creates iconic sporting occasion

People are afforded a limited amount of time on Earth and many strive to leave a legacy behind them when they are gone.

Queen Anne died in 1714, just three years after establishing the foundations for the most iconic horse racing event in the United Kingdom – Royal Ascot.

The first-ever race, Her Majesty’s Plate, was run for prize money of just 100 guineas – an amount in stark contrast to the £7 million on offer across the 2019 meeting.

To mark the heritage of Royal Ascot, leading bookmaker Betway has produced a stunningly effective animated video detailing many of the historical events that have happened since Queen Anne’s brainwave.

For example, the first race at Ascot pre-dates the publication of Jane Austen’s first novel ‘Sense and Sensibility’ by 100 years.

Blackbeard the Pirate was still sailing the seas in 1718, while James Cook didn’t get around to discovering Australia until 1770.

Those events highlight the longevity that Royal Ascot has enjoyed and it is little wonder it holds such a special place in the horse racing calendar.

More than 300,000 people will attend this year’s meeting, with another 650 million watching the event on television around the world.

It is unlikely Queen Anne would have imagined her idea would have blossomed into the five-day extravaganza it is today, but the world of horse racing should be eternally grateful for her vision.

The British Horse Racing Authority (BHA) has announced all runners in the Randox Grand National Festival will undergo pre-race examinations.

The pre-race check-ups were already mandatory for the majority of the Festival’s races. However, the new (2019) regulations will enforce pre-race examinations and a trot up of horse running in the Foxhunter, Topham and the infamous Grand National Steeplechase.

Examinations include an in-depth vet assessment, including a trot up in the morning of every horse that enters a race that day. Designed as a final health check, the examination identifies whether or not the horse has any health issues, before they are allowed to race.

The BHA has stated that trainers are to assess gait in any horses entered into the Randox Health Grand National Festival.

The BHA has requested that the runners be made known if any horses are identified as “poor mover” or have an “asymmetrical gait” in the period leading up to the event.

This should enable the horse to be examined and observed, and additionally, veterinarians should be able to note abnormalities before the race-day examinations commence.

To ensure the health of the runners, trainers are also required to submit a BHA Medication Declaration form. The form covers a 45-day period, in the run-up to the race, allowing the identification of substances the horse may have been exposed to. This prevents the risk of horses racing under the influence of drugs, further protecting their health and well-being.

The new enforcement of the pre-race examinations has been requested by Aintree Racecourse. The BHA have shown gratitude to the racecourse in the enforcement this regulatory step, stating their mission is to ‘prioritise the health and welfare of racehorses’.

However, the BHA are working in partnership with numerous trainers ensuring withdrawal is not need prior to the festival.  Full details of these measures are being communicated directly to trainers and support is being provided.

The Randox Health Grand National Festival is set to begin on the 11th April, running until the 13th April 2024.

The British Horse Racing Authority (BHA) have announced the revision and rewriting of the current rules of racing.

The rewrite was launched in 2016 to present the rules in a simple, clear and easy-to-follow format. It hopes to ensure participants who are required to follow them, as well as the racing audience, can easily access them, in a convenient format.

However, the BHA have explained that the project has not been focused on rules changes, but the presentation and structure of current rules. 

Working in close consultation with the independent legal expertise of Northridge Law LLP, the rule revision has ensured no changes in current rules. The BHA also consulted participants via stakeholders to optimise the new format.

The BHA Board has approved the new, rewritten rules and have been further confirmed to be coming into force from 1st September 2019. However, the BHA has assured that the rewritten rules will be available in early July to ensure users are familiar with the new site and format. In addition, the BHA hope to host workshops to assist the participants in becoming accustomed to the new rule format and digital access.

Further explaining the project, Tim Naylor, Director of Integrity and Regulation at the BHA, said;

There has been a move within the wider area of sports regulation to try and simplify rules as far as possible so everyone, whether participating or not, can understand them.

There was feedback anecdotally for a number of years, particularly from those bound by the Rules, that they could be easier to follow which was why the initial project was undertaken.

It has been a long and complex piece of work but I’m confident that the new format of the Rules makes them as clear as they have ever been.

They will be easy to access digitally and will link in with other guidance documents and application processes electronically. This is part of the BHA’s progressive approach to make regulation more transparent for our participants and the general public.

We will provide more information in early July when the new rules will be available to view regarding any changes to the substance of the Rules, but the fundamental aim behind the project was to simplify them and ensure they are structured in a format which our participants can use easily.”

In the lead up to the official launch of the newly formatted rules, the BHA is also creating a cross-industry working group. The creation of the group hopes to provide vital feedback from users and ensure any last minute optimisation of the site can be carried out before coming into force on 1st September.

Racing Industry Suspends Regumate®Use

The racing industry has been advised to suspend the use of medication, Regumate® Equine after traces of a banned steroid were identified in numerous samples.

Regumate® is a medication commonly used in performance mares. The medication, containing a synthetic progesterone hormone, suppresses the mare’s oestrus cycle, which can be linked to “mare-ish” behaviours.

The British Horse Authority (BHA) requested the analysis of European samples of Regumate®, after Australian samples were found to contain traces of an anabolic steroid.

The samples, from several different batches of Regumate® Equine 2.2mg/ml Oral Solution For Horses (MSD Animal Health), were tested at LGC Laboratories, which work in partnership with the BHA.

Results from the European sample batch test have detected trace elements of trendione. Trendione is a “Prohibited At All Times Substance” under Schedule G, in the BHA’s Equine Anti-Doping Manual. Possession, use, or attempted use of the steroid would result in a financial penalty or a period of disqualification in horse racing.

Upon the results of the investigation, the BHA issued a notice to advise the racing industry;

Due to the above results detecting the presence of trendione in Regumate® Equine, the BHA would advise that the possession, use or attempted use, and administration or attempted administration of Regumate® Equine could amount to breaches of the Rules of Racing. “

“As such, at this time, we would advise trainers and other industry participants to remove Regumate® Equine from all licensed premises, and not to administer this product.

The BHA are continuing to work to gain a “greater understanding” of the issue and updated information will be provided, once available.

The BHA notice has left rider’s of all disciplines questioning their current use of the product, in fear of accidentally administering a banned substance.

However, under FEI legislation, Regumate® has been permitted for use since 2003, and Trenidone is not a banned substance. Although trenbolone, which was found in Australian samples of the medication, is a drug currently banned under FEI law.

Cocklebarrow Races – Blow Away Those January Blues

If you have been out and about recently, you will have noticed Cocklebarrow Races advertising everywhere, including on the big screens at Cheltenham races. This year Cocklebarrow Races is going to be bigger and better than ever before.  Their 2018 meeting, on Sunday 28^th January, promises to be a fabulous and enjoyable day out for all the family in the Cotswold countryside.

Throughout the course of the day, there will be countless jump races and in the heated marquee there’s space for you to enjoy a BYO picnic, a licensed bar, and a bucking bronco in case you need warming up some more!

Aside from the racing, you will find plenty of other attractions to keep you and the family entertained.  If you are into celebrity spotting, try getting a selfie with Jeremy Clarkson, Alex James, Giles Coren, John Inverdale, Jilly Cooper, Xander Armstrong, Zara Philips or even David Cameron. 

For the children, there’s face painting, a bouncy castle and bungee running (for the adults too!)  For all ages, there is dog racing, a “tough farmer challenge”. For those not content with their Christmas presents, there is plenty of retail therapy on offer too!

Gates open at 10.30am and admission starts at £10 per person.  Premium parking is also available at Cocklebarrow Races in the safe family friendly car park.

What is the Horse’s Mark in Horse Racing?

To understand a horse’s ‘mark’ it’s necessary to understand ‘handicapping’. But, the simplest explanation is that the mark is the score (in binary) given to a horse, the higher the mark score the better performing the horse should be.

Who comes up with the ‘mark’?  This is given by the ‘handicapper’.  Once you grasp the concept of the horse’s mark, why not see how you do against some of the free horse racing tip sites? There are some great online horse tipping sites online, The Winners Enclosure put together some of the best free horse racing tips on the market. Check them out and see how you get on.

The essence of handicapping

Handicapping involves an analysis that strongly regards the weight a horse carries which ultimately affects the speed at which it gallops.

The weight to be carried by a horse in a handicap is determined by the horse’s Official Rating.  Only when a horse qualifies for an Official Rating can it take part in a handicap race.

A Handicap Race

A handicap race is a race where each horse taking part carries weight allocated according to the horse’s ability, it’s an attempt to ensure each horse has an equal opportunity of winning the race.

Every horse that runs in a race will be analysed by a ‘handicapper’ and allocated a rating.

The rating given to a horse, boils down to the ‘handicappers’ interpretation of a number of variable and mathematical facts. These variables are made up from pertinent variables; weight the horse carried in relation to the other runners, distance of the race, the ground, the draw (if a Flat race), the finishing margins between runners, the pace at which the race was run, the strength of the current form of the runners, and whether any incidents occurred that could have impeded one or more of the runners or exaggerated a horse’s performance.

Variables and the interpretation are expressed in imperial pounds and are based on the concept that all horses can be assessed on a numerical scale, this enables their ability as a racehorse to be compared to others.

Every Handicapper will be able to provide a logical and reasoned explanation as to why they have reached their decision.

So, what is the Horse’s mark?

The mark is this score given by the ‘handicapper’, it’s the universal language and may also be referred to as the horse’s Official Rating in horse racing terms.

Cheltenham Headline Act for Day 3

It’s day three of the Cheltenham Festival and today’s headline act is Stayers Hurdle favourite Unowhatimeanharry. Last year’s Albert Bartlett winner bids to make it back-to-back Cheltenham successes when he takes on a 12-strong field at 3.30pm today.

The short-priced favourite has long been considered one of the bankers of the Festival and Oddschecker users have piled in on Harry Fry’s 9yo in the ante-post markets with 29% of all bets on the market leader.

A win for the favourite would certainly have Oddschecker punters smiling with 43% of them backing him in the last 48 hours and 19.2% of all accas placed this week including him too.

Stayers’ Hurdle Oddschecker Betting Patterns

The former Champion Hurdle winner Jezki is next best with the punters, 16.7% of ante-post punts have been on the Jessica Harrington-trained runner with 5% of all bets from over the Irish sea in Dublin. 2015 winner Cole Harden received just 8.6% of all ante-post bets but has been more popular in the last 48 hours with 18% of stakes placed on the second favourite.

The British Thoroughbred Retraining Centre (BTRC) is delighted to announce the world’s biggest independent bookmaker, Betfred is kindly supporting a BTRC charity race day.

Held on Saturday, November 5, at Aintree Racecourse, near Liverpool, the ‘Betfred BTRC Day’ promises to be a spectacular day out.

The British Thoroughbred Retraining Centre (BTRC) is the biggest in Britain dedicated to the retraining and rehoming of retired racehorses to give them happy and useful lives once their racing days are over and was the pioneer in the field when launched as the Thoroughbred Rehabilitation Centre 25 years ago.

To celebrate the BTRC’s 25th Anniversary, Betfred and Aintree are keen to promote the fantastic work the charity undertakes retraining retired racehorses, through the race day.

Caroline Davis, Betfred Sponsorship Executive said: “We are thrilled to be working with the BTRC. We already have a fantastic relationship with Aintree Racecourse and to combine one of our great race days with such an important cause is very exciting.

“We love horse racing and we are proud to be supporting the BTRC and all the important work they do for the welfare, rehabilitation, retraining and rehoming of retired racehorses.”

The day is also aimed at making race goers more aware of the journey racehorses face when leaving the world of racing.

BTRC Chief Executive, Gillian Carlisle added: “It is fantastic to gain the support of Betfred and we hope the day will be a celebration of retraining racehorses. It will not only be enjoyable to all but also will help people learn more about what happens to racehorses after their racing career has ended.

“We will have a variety of different retired racehorses present on the day and weather permitting we hope to demonstrate some of the new skills that they have learnt since their racing careers have finished. There will also be an opportunity for visitors to meet some of these horses. We hope you can come and be part of what promises to be a fabulous day of racing and a celebration of retraining.”

For tickets to enjoy an Afternoon of Top Class Racing and support the BTRC at Aintree Racecourse on Saturday 5th November please go to aintree.thejockeyclub.co.uk or by calling 0344 579 3001.

BTRC supporters will get general admission tickets half price, if you use the code: BTRC. The offer will be restricted to maximum of four tickets per customer and runs until midnight on October 31.

Racegoers can also buy tickets directly from the sales office at Aintree Racecourse. Hospitality packages are currently available to purchase, please call 0151 522 2911 for more information.

For further information contact BTRC on (01524) 812649 or please visit www.britishtrc.co.uk

The final fixture of the Champion Headwear Pony Club Pony Racing series, held at Lingfield Park Racecourse on October 26^th 2015, saw sunshine and a special visit from The Pony Club’s Patron, HRH The Princess Royal. 

As a great turnout of over 400 Pony Club Members, supporters and family poured in through the gates ahead of the pony racing action there was the opportunity to visit the British Horseracing Education and Standards Trust (BHEST) and careers in racing to have a go on the equicisors, try on real racing silks, get top tips and find out more about Racing as a sport and a career. Over in the paddock, the National Hunt racehorse Sire de Grugy was in fine form for visitors to admire, before taking to the course for a gallop!

As the day’s pony racing got underway, there was a bumper entry of near 100 Pony Club Members, competing for one of the Champion Headwear race titles at Novice and Open level over four, six or eight furlongs. The special ‘*Area 11 Training Stakes’ race title went to **Centre Member Sophie Manners (14), from London based Pony Club Centre, Park Lane Stables riding Derwent Dream Dancer who also won the tack and turnout for the class!

“The day has been such a great opportunity for our Members to get a feel for what it would be like to be a jockey” said Natalie O’Rourke, Proprietor of Park Lane Stables. “We must thank the Eridge Branch and The Pony Club for the opportunity to meet HRH the Princess Royal – coupled with our winner we have had the best day ever!”

With the occasion also marking the 80^th anniversary of the organising Eridge Hunt Branch of The Pony Club, HRH the Princess Royal met current Members from the Branch aged four upwards to find out more about them and their ponies, before kindly cutting into an amazing commemorative chocolate cake to be enjoyed by everyone.

“What an amazing day we had at Lingfield Park Racecourse today for The Pony Club Race Day!” said Joanna Tindall, Eridge Hunt District Commissioner. “A huge thank you to all those who helped us from Lingfield Park and the many others from other Pony Club Branches within Area 11. Everyone made it such a special day and one we will all remember for a long time”.

There was an additional surprise for Joanna, alongside Cherry Michell the former Pony Club Chairman,  as they were presented with their Cubitt Awards by HRH the Princess Royal, to honour their individuals commitment of over 20 years voluntary service to The Pony Club.

Before heading home HRH the Princess Royal was able to watch some of the pony racing action before stopping by at the prize giving for Race 5 to present the winners and receive a bouquet from Eridge Hunt Member, Theo Boyle.

“It was wonderful to have HRH the Princess Royal with us for our final pony racing fixture of the year” commented Pip Kirkby, Chief Executive of The Pony Club. “The day was such a great display of what The Pony Club is doing at grassroots level with racing as a sport, as well what our amazing volunteers achieve on our behalf”.

Andrew Perkins, Executive Director of Lingfield Park Racecourse, echoed the success of the day saying “Hosting the annual Eridge Hunt Pony Club pony racing event at Lingfield Park has always been a pleasure and it was great to see the occasion made even more special this year with the attendance of HRH the Princess Royal”.